Regular Maintenance Items

Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and change batteries (every 6 months).

Make sure you have at least one fire extinguisher on each floor, and replace them every 10-15 years. It’s a good idea to have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, in the garage, and near exits.

Clean roof/gutters (once a year after leaves have fallen, or more frequently as needed). Tip: sprinkle baking soda on roof to help keep moss away. While you’re at it, make sure your downspouts and downspout drains are draining correctly and away from your foundation.

Cover outside faucets in the winter to prevent freezing pipes

Flush out water heater (frequency varies, every 6-12 months). This applies to tank and tankless water heaters.

Change out furnace filter (depends on size of filter, at least once a year)

Regular HVAC servicing and cleaning (once a year recommended). This is for furnaces, heat pumps, A/Cs, etc.

Clean your dryer vent (every 6-12 months)

Clean your washer filter (every 4-6 months, consult appliance manual)

Replace refrigerator water filter (every 6 months)

Dishwasher filter cleaning (as needed, every few months)

Test and clean the weep holes on your vinyl windows (once a year)

Fireplace maintenance: chimney sweep, regular servicing (once a year)

Test your sump pump (if you have one, once a year)

If connected to sewer: Scope and clean your sewer line (every few years as needed, follow recommendations from sewer company)

If on a septic system: Septic pumping (every 3-5 years)

If your door’s key hole is hard to use, use a lock lubricant to make it smoother. Such a simple thing makes a world of difference when you’re having trouble getting your key in. There is conflicting information about whether WD-40 is good for locks, so do your own research here.

Trim any bushes or branches away from your house and roof (as needed). Having bushes against your house can damage the siding and also gives rodents direct access to your roof and attic areas.

Mulch your garden (1-2 times a year or less frequently as your sanity allows)

If you have sprinklers, make sure they are not spraying water on anything you don’t want to rot (wooden fences, house siding, etc)

Keep an eye on your home’s exterior: painted surfaces need regular paint to keep moisture out; any holes or gaps should be caulked to prevent water intrusion; seal any openings where animals can get in to your attic or crawl space (as needed)